Soluble cytokeratin is a commonly used immunohistochemical marker for tumors. When alveolar epithelial cells die, the large keratin fragments contained in the cells are degraded into a soluble substance that enters the bloodstream to form soluble cytokeratin.
Elevated soluble cytokeratin means that the patient is at risk for lung cancer. Because elevated soluble cytokeratin is the marker of choice for non-small cell lung cancer, especially squamous epithelial cell carcinoma, its sensitivity can reach 60% and specificity can reach 95%. In addition to lung cancer, pneumonia and tuberculosis may also lead to high lung cytokeratin.
When soluble keratin is elevated, patients must go to regular hospitals for examination, confirm the cause of the disease, follow the doctor’s instructions, and have scientific and standardized treatment, so as to effectively improve the cure rate.